dragon queen

Captured Tales – by Bill Tiepelman

Twilight of the Ember Drake

In the verdant realm of Eirandel, where the forests whispered of ancient magics and the mountains bore witness to eons, there existed a bond between two unlikely allies. Aelia, a young noblewoman from the House of Lorian, had ventured deep into the mythical Thornwood Forest, guided only by a cryptic dream. She sought the Ember Drake, a legendary creature said to guard the balance of nature itself. The journey was perilous, but Aelia's resolve was steeled by visions of fire and smoke, and the haunting melody that seemed to call her name with every gust of wind. As she traversed the tangled undergrowth and navigated the labyrinth of ancient trees, she felt an unexplainable pull towards an uncharted path that glowed with an ember-like shimmer. Finally, at the heart of the forest, she found the creature of her visions. Towering yet majestic, the Ember Drake's scales glinted with the fiery hues of sunset. Its eyes, deep pools of wisdom, watched her approach with a curiosity reserved for those who dare to walk the path of legends. As Aelia reached out, a silent understanding passed between them—she was here to learn, to listen, and to lead alongside the guardian of the forest. The Ember Drake lowered its great head to her level, its breath warm and tinged with the scent of smoldering pine. It spoke not in words, but in visions that flooded Aelia's mind: images of past calamities, wars waged against nature, and the delicate thread that held the world in balance. Moved by the drake's revelations, Aelia vowed to protect these ancient lands with the wisdom she would gain from this mythical alliance. The Pact of Shadows and Light With her vow made under the watchful eyes of the ancient trees, Aelia's life was forever changed. The Ember Drake, having accepted her pledge, marked her with a symbol—a fiery emblem that appeared on her palm, signifying her new role as the Guardian of Thornwood. Together, they would oversee the cycles of growth and decay, ensuring that no force disrupted the sacred balance. Their first test came swiftly. Dark clouds gathered as a force of greed-driven invaders approached Thornwood, intent on harvesting its mystical resources. Aelia, with the power of the Ember Drake coursing through her veins, stood firm at the forest's edge. She raised her marked hand, and the ground beneath the invaders' feet trembled. Vines sprouted rapidly, entwining around weapons and pulling them gently but firmly from the trespassers’ grasp. The Ember Drake itself emerged from the shadows, its formidable presence a stark warning to those who dared threaten their realm. With a roar that echoed through the valley and a burst of brilliant flames, it demonstrated the might of the natural world when provoked. The invaders, overwhelmed by the display of power and the unity of the guardian and the drake, fled, leaving the forest unscathed. In the years that followed, Aelia and the Ember Drake worked in harmony, their bond a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of respect and understanding between different beings. Their story became a legend, whispered in the winds and sung by the rivers of Eirandel, inspiring all who believed in the magic of unity and the sacred duty to protect the natural world.     The tale of Aelia and the Ember Drake reaches beyond the pages of legend and into the very fabric of our daily lives. As Aelia learned to harness the power of nature with her mystical ally, so too can you bring a touch of their enchanted world into your surroundings. Explore the "Twilight of the Ember Drake" collection, where each product is imbued with the essence of their legendary story. Enhance your space with the Twilight of the Ember Drake Poster, capturing the vibrant and mystical encounter that changed Aelia's destiny. Experience everyday magic at your desk with the Twilight of the Ember Drake Mouse Pad, blending functionality with the art of mythical storytelling. Decorate your home with the Twilight of the Ember Drake Tapestry, a piece that transforms any room into a portal to the enchanted Thornwood Forest. Assemble the legend piece by piece with the Twilight of the Ember Drake Puzzle, a fun and engaging way to relive the tale. Sip inspiration from the Twilight of the Ember Drake Coffee Mug, adorned with the fiery emblem of the Guardian of Thornwood. Each item in our collection offers a unique way to connect with the powerful story of Aelia and her dragon ally, bringing a touch of their mythical journey to your daily life. Visit our shop to explore these and other inspired items, each designed to evoke the spirit and adventure of their legendary partnership.

Captured Tales – by Bill Tiepelman

A Tale of Two Shadows

Within the heart of the Enchanted Wood, Eirlys sat at her loom, the threads she wove were not of silk or wool, but of dreams plucked from the slumbering earth. The dreams swirled with the vibrant colors of hopes and the dusky shades of fears, each a strand in the tapestry of destiny. By her side, Thorne watched, his keen eyes reflecting the myriad hues that danced upon the loom. His shadow intertwined with hers, a silent guardian tethered to her soul. One eve, as twilight merged with the inky canvas of night, a whisper drifted through the trees, a whisper that spoke of a shadow untamed, a darkness that sought the light of Eirlys's dreams. The loom stilled, the forest held its breath, and Thorne's spines bristled with an ancient magic. Together, they stood at the precipice of an adventure, one that would intertwine their shadows more deeply than ever before. The Call of the Shadowed Vale The whisper beckoned them to the Shadowed Vale, a place where no light dared to linger. It was in this vale that the dreams of the world were said to be born, and where nightmares came to die. Eirlys's heart quivered with trepidation and wonder, yet the bond she shared with Thorne gave her courage. With a nod to her companion, they set forth, their steps a silent vow to protect the dreams of all beings. Eirlys and Thorne journey towards the unknown, their path illuminated by the faint glimmer of starlight. Their shadows, two whispers of the night, embark on a quest that will reveal the true power of dreams and the enduring strength of the bond they share. Whispers in the Shadows In the silence of the Shadowed Vale, Eirlys and Thorne encountered the whisperer — an ethereal entity whose form flickered like a candle's flame caught between the winds of existence and oblivion. It was the Keeper of Equilibrium, a steward of the delicate balance between dreams and nightmares. "The Vale is fading," it spoke with a voice like the rustle of leaves, "for a darkness grows, one not of this world, feeding on the essence of dreams." Eirlys felt the threads of her own dreams stir, the colors dimming in response to the Keeper's words. Thorne's ember-like eyes glowed fiercely, a silent vow to defend the dreams he had come to cherish. "What can be done?" Eirlys inquired, her voice steady despite the shadows that coiled around them. The Eclipse of Dreams "A force from beyond the stars has cast its gaze upon the Vale, seeking the power held within the dreams," the Keeper explained. "It seeks the Dreamheart, the core of all dream essence." Eirlys's hands moved to the pendant resting against her collarbone, a gem pulsing with an inner light — the Dreamheart. It was not merely an ornament, but a sacred relic entrusted to her by the spirits of the Enchanted Wood. Thorne stepped forward, his protective presence a bastion against the creeping darkness. "We will stand against this force," he declared, the power of his ancient lineage awakening within him. The whisperer nodded, its form becoming more translucent. "The Eclipse of Dreams approaches, when the boundaries between thoughts and terrors wane. You must fortify the Vale's light with the Dreamheart before the eclipse consummates, or all will be lost to the void." Eirlys and Thorne face the daunting task of safeguarding the Dreamheart. The Vale, shrouded in secrets and uncertainty, beckons our heroes deeper into its heart, where light and shadow duel in an eternal dance. The Gathering Gloom With the destiny of the Vale hanging in the balance, Eirlys and Thorne made their way to the heart of the Shadowed Vale. The stars, veiled by the growing eclipse, dimmed as if mourning the impending darkness. As they approached the center, where the dreams were brightest and the nightmares most profound, the air thrummed with unseen energy. There, amidst the convergence of dreams, stood an ancient dais, its stone imbued with runes of old. Eirlys took her place upon it, with Thorne by her side, his scales bristling with the anticipation of battle. She lifted the Dreamheart, allowing its luminescence to spill forth, casting a protective circle of light. The Heart's Luminance The eclipse reached its zenith, and the Vale was bathed in a paradoxical twilight, both serene and ominous. Shadowy tendrils snaked towards the center, drawn to the Dreamheart's glow. Eirlys, her resolve as strong as the magic within her, began to weave a new tapestry, one of protection and strength, with Thorne lending his fire to the creation. Together, they channeled the Dreamheart's power, reinforcing the Vale's light. The shadows recoiled, thwarted by the purity of their combined will. Eirlys's dreams fused with the Vale's essence, bolstered by Thorne's ancient magic, forming a bastion against the encroaching darkness. The Dawn of Dreams As the eclipse waned, the darkness that had sought to devour the dreams was vanquished. The Vale, now resplendent with the rejuvenated power of dreams, bloomed anew. The Keeper of Equilibrium emerged, its form solidifying into clarity. "The balance is restored," it declared, "thanks to the Dreamweaver and the Dragonling. The Vale shall remember your valor." With the crisis averted, Eirlys and Thorne left the Vale, their shadows now legends whispered among the dreaming. They returned to the Enchanted Wood, where their story became a beacon of hope, a testament to the power held within dreams and the unyielding strength found in the unity of two shadows against the dark.     As Eirlys and Thorne's adventure lives on in the hearts of those who believe in the magic of dreams, you too can keep the essence of their journey alive. For the crafters and weavers of dreams among us, the "A Tale of Two Shadows" cross-stitch pattern offers a chance to recreate the enchantment stitch by stitch, just as Eirlys wove her tapestries of dreams. Adorn your walls with the wonder of their story by obtaining the "A Tale of Two Shadows" poster, a piece that captures the vivid imagery and emotion of the Vale's mystical allure. For those who wish to envelop themselves in the artistry of the Enchanted Wood and the Shadowed Vale, a tapestry featuring the legendary duo is available, a perfect addition to any space seeking the warmth of their legendary tale. Perhaps you’d prefer to rest your head upon a throw pillow, embroidered with the image of Thorne, as you dream your own dreams of valor and adventure each night. For those who love to carry a piece of the story with them, a sticker commemorating Eirlys and Thorne's bond is a small, yet poignant reminder of the light that dreams can hold in our lives. Lastly, a beautifully crafted framed print can make a profound statement in your home, echoing the tale's themes of friendship, courage, and the eternal dance of light and shadow. In every product, the spirit of "A Tale of Two Shadows" lives on, inviting you to become a part of the story, to weave your dreams into the fabric of the world, and to believe in the magic that dwells within the shadows.

Captured Tales – by Linda Tiepelman

Secrets of the Sylvan Spirits

In a realm where nature’s whispers are as clear as the murmurs of babbling brooks, there existed a unique entity, a spirit of the wood named Liora. Unlike her ephemeral kin, she bore the semblance of human form, adorned with garlands of ivy and blossoms that swayed with the rhythm of the wind. Her eyes, as green as the forest's heart, reflected the serenity of age-old groves and the untamed spark of wild streams. Liora was not alone in her guardianship; by her side was a creature of myth, a dragon named Thorne. Small in stature but fierce in spirit, Thorne's scales glistened with the vibrant greens of spring leaves kissed by dawn's first light. Bound to Liora through an ancient pact sealed by the spirits, they stood as the custodians of the forest's most sacred secrets and its most profound mysteries. Their home, the forest, was more than just a collection of trees and flowing streams; it was a living, breathing entity, imbued with magic as ancient as the earth itself. At its heart lay the Source, a wellspring of raw magic, the lifeblood for all the forest's inhabitants. Hidden from the prying eyes of the outside world, this Source was fiercely guarded by Liora and Thorne, for it was the forest's greatest treasure and its most vulnerable point. Their days were filled with communion with the woodland, a silent understanding with nature. Liora, with a gentle touch, could bring forth blooms from barren branches, mend the injured creatures of the forest, and reinvigorate the oldest of trees. Thorne, with his strength, protected the forest from those who would do it harm or seek to plunder its depths. Together, they preserved the delicate balance that was crucial to the forest's survival and the continuation of its ancient magic. However, the Secrets of the Sylvan Spirits were not solely of light and beauty. Darkness lingered as well, manifesting as age-old curses and hidden predators, presenting challenges that Liora and Thorne faced with steadfast bravery. They understood that within danger often lay opportunities for growth and that the forest's deepest truths were revealed only to those brave enough to venture beyond the familiar comfort of leafy veils. In the tranquil moments of twilight, when day and night blurred and different worlds seemed to touch, Liora and Thorne would journey to the Source. Beneath the moon’s silver luminescence, they would renew their sacred vow: to protect the forest's secrets, to foster its life, and to safeguard its magic for future generations. The story of Liora and Thorne is a testament to the enduring bond between nature and its guardians. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world and the responsibility we all share in its preservation.